idden away at Wind Creek Montgomery
is a special place. It’s called Itta Bena,
an exquisite dining experience with a
taste of Beale Street on the side. From the
10 oz. bone-in pork chop to the 8 oz. filet,
every dish at Itta Bena is gourmet southern
cuisine. So come on up to the 3rd floor,
discover our modern day speakeasy, and
enjoy a FREE appetizer on us. But
remember, it’s our little secret!

Present this coupon to
your server for a:

FREE APPETIZER
with an entrée purchase.

Limit one per table. Offer expires 6/30/18.
May not be used in conjunction with
any other offers.

his month in Lake Martin
Living magazine, we’re
saluting some folks who have
gone the extra mile to help
local kids – and we’re highlighting a
few local kids who grew up, moved
away and made us proud.
We’ll start on page 10 with
Leadership Lake Martin’s Red
Team and its project to renovate
the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex
Imagination Station. This
12,000-square-foot playground has
sparked children’s creative play for
20 years. When it needed a major
facelift, Leadership Lake Martin
stepped in to make the area safer and
more fun for kids. Meet the team and
check out the renovations that will make the station more appealing to
the inventive play of its visitors.
And hats off to all the cowboys, cowgirls and spectators who
come out for the annual Lake Martin Area Rodeo. This Southeastern
Professional Rodeo-sanctioned event is an exciting weekend of
entertainment that supports the local Boys and Girls Club of the Lake
Martin Area. Learn more about each night’s events and how you can
help on page 48.
Sometimes, we take for granted the work that folks do to help young
people, so in this issue, we tip our hats to a couple of people who have
made a world of difference on a global scale.
Dave Jennings has coached the men’s golf team at Central Alabama
Community College for 17 years, and in that time, he’s received some
pretty impressive honors. Next month, he will add to that list when he
travels to Japan to coach the U.S. Boys Team at the Junior World Cup.
Learn more about Dave Jennings in the article on page 38; then, flip to
page 16 to improve your own golf game with Jennings’ column.
Five years ago, Lake Martin Living magazine talked with hometown
girl Catherine Burns, who is artistic director for The Moth, a National
Public Radio show that reaches millions of people around the world.
Since that conversation, The Moth has expanded to include mainstage
productions in 29 cities. This month, Montgomery will be one of those
cities, and Burns, who as a student at Benjamin Russell High School
dreamed of working on the Alabama Shakespeare Festival stage, will
see that dream come true. Catch up with Catherine on page 20.
Then, take the kids to Jazz Fest in downtown Alexander City! This
year’s lineup could be the best yet. Check out the bands on page 30,
and plan to take the family to this free night of fun and music at Strand
Park.

Lake Martin Living is published monthly
by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be
reproduced without written consent of
the publisher. Reader correspondence
and submissions are welcome. Please
address all correspondence, including story ideas,
letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin
Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or
email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising
inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A
limited number of free copies are available at local
businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

Lake Martin Living 5

ON THE COVER

Fifth season American Idol
winner Taylor Hicks will
close out the 28th Annual
Jazz Fest when he takes
the stage on Saturday, June
9 at The AMP on Lake
Martin. Hicks is originally
from Jasper, Alabama, and
began his musical career
as a teenager touring
around the Southeast.
Photo by Cliff Williams

Terrell Owens makes locals proud
Twenty-five years after graduating
from Benjamin Russell High School,
Terrell Owens was inducted into the
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
“I had my three Ds, which are
desire, dedication and discipline,
but I think there’s two R words that
are resonating with me right now,”
Owens said. “That’s resilience and
relentless. If you have a resilient
attitude about things, and you have
that relentless pursuit of trying to
be great ... You can’t just go from
average to great right away. There’s
a progress in there. I did it, and I
know that others can do it. You have
to believe in yourself and surround
yourself with good people.”
Owens’ saga is the definition of
an inspirational story. He rose from
a virtual bench player to one of the
all-time greats. After storming onto
the football scene at the University
of Tennessee at Chattanooga,
Owens was drafted in 1996, playing
the majority of his career for the
Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas
Cowboys. He was selected to the
Pro Bowl six times, and his 15,934

receiving yards
record ranks
second in NFL
history. He
is also third
in receiving
touchdowns
with 153 in his
career.
“I’m a perfect
example for
any kid, but
especially in
the state of
Alabama and
especially in
Alexander City,”
Owens said. “If
I can make it,
you can make
it."
Owens will
be inducted into
the Pro Football
Hall of Fame in
August.
~Lizi Arbogast

Local Celebrity

Above: Terrell
Owens is
overjoyed while
taking a photo of
his Hall of Fame
showcase; Right:
The Alexander
City native has an
inspirational story
of rising to the top.

MainStreet Alexander City announces new Farmers Market manager
Carly Herrmann said she will bring
energy, creativity and enthusiasm
to her new position as MainStreet
Alexander City’s Farmers Market
manager.
While Herrmann was born
in Montgomery, she moved to
Alexander City at age 9 and
graduated from Benjamin Russell
High School. After attending Auburn
University, where she met her
husband Travis, she established roots
in Auburn. The couple, along with
their children Teddy, 13, and Emma,
2, moved back to Alexander City
in 2016 to be closer to Herrmann’s
family.
“Since I’ve been back and
downtown, I realized the effort that’s
been made to revitalize the town,
and I would like to be a part of
that continuing contribution,” said

Carly Herrmann

Herrmann.
The Alexander City Farmers
Market, which has moved back to
its original location on Broad Street
Plaza, is the only one in the state
that offers free vendor space to its
local farmers, and Herrmann said
the farmers are extremely excited to
return this year.
“We’re going to offer different
events each Saturday to draw in
various crowds. We want to bring
awareness to our local businesses,
eating healthy and being the kickoff
point for an enjoyable Saturday in
downtown Alexander City,” explained
Herrmann.
The Farmers Market will begin
June 5 and be held every Saturday
through the fall from 7 a.m. to 11
a.m.
~Amy Passaretti
Lake Martin Living 9

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI
PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI & COURTESY OF CARLA BULLARD

hildren of all ages have been swinging, sliding and
climbing at the Imagination Station in Charles
E. Baily Sportplex for 20 years now. A group of
Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Leadership
Lake Martin participants conducted a major update at the
Sportplex Park. The playground is now safer to use, more
attractive and includes additional amenities.
Leadership Lake
Martin is a tenmonth leadershiptraining program for
community leaders,
which includes a
community service
project planned,
developed and
implemented by
individual groups.
“The program’s
overarching goal is
to educate, inform
and ideally inspire
our next group of
community leaders,”
said Ed Collari,
President and CEO
of the Alexander
City Chamber of
Commerce. “The
group assignment
component involves
teamwork, and these
projects have a huge
impact in our community. I could not be more proud of what
this year’s class has accomplished.”
The Red Team – Tammy Jackson, Carla Bullard, Al Wilson,
Sam Royster, Dan Collier and Tara Snyder – unanimously voted
that a project enhancing the playground would be beneficial to
the community.
“We brainstormed things that needed to be done in town
and decided that instead of trying to build something new, we
wanted to improve something that needed fixing,” said team
leader Bullard.
Individuals in the community that wanted to provide a
playground to the youth originally built the park.
“When people are looking at recruiting to this area, this is one
of the things they show, so it needed a facelift,” said Bullard.
Since its dedication in March 1998, very little renovation
10 Lake Martin Living

or attention has been given to the playground. It seemed
appropriate timing and homage to the original builders to fix up
the playground on its 20-year anniversary, said Jackson.
With a fresh layer of mulch, new paint to brighten up the
equipment, additional amenities and replacement swings, the
playground has returned to quality standards.
“We were originally worried it may be too much work, but
the team decided to
tackle this project
and have all been
dedicated to doing
so,” Bullard said.
Hoping for
more community
involvement, the
Red Team ended
up doing most of
the work on its own
due to unpredictable
weather. Alexander
City Parks and
Recreation employees
aided with some
heavy lifting, mulch
dumping and fence
replacement, and
some spouses of team
members and other
additional workers
took time out of their
days to contribute.
“I’d say we’ve put
in close to 400-500
Major Improvements
The team repaired and replaced
man hours, and that
old equipment, spread mulch and
averaged at least 40amped up safety of the playground. 50 hours per person.
It’s been difficult
to coordinate the whole team together at once, but we’ve all
done the best we can while balancing full-time jobs and other
responsibilities,” Jackson said.
The muddy, decaying mulch blanketing the 12,000 squarefoot ground was replaced with a fresh layer that is softer and
more appealing. Some of the wooden boards were beginning to
rot, and the group spot-checked and replaced unsuitable pieces
to prevent potential hazards.
The monkey-bar area in the middle of the playground
needed attention, and Alexander City Parks and Rec. employees
excavated the area to remove the equipment. Posts were dug up,

and new fencing was installed after a
Teamwork
Above: The Red Team
new Tornado Climber replaced the
consists of Carla
old version.
Bullard, Al Wilson,
Two teeter-totters and two spring
Tammy Jackson, Tara
riders were purchased and mounted
Snyder, Sam Royster
on site as well. The crew dug holes,
and Don Collier; Right:
mixed and poured concrete and
Volunteers mixed and
set the equipment in place. New
placed concrete to
toddler seats and regular swings were
install new teetertotters (below).
installed in place of the damaged
ones.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;We purchased a few extra swings
that the city will keep for future replacement needs,â&#x20AC;? said Bullard.
The Imagination Station is ADA accessible, and people of all
disabilities enjoy the recreational facility. This creates an inclusive
community area that increases opportunities for physical and
social activity.
The cost of the project was about $10,000, and contributions
were made to help offset the finances. Steve Robinson, county
commissioner, donated $3,600 to the cause, which paid for the
new mulch, and Exelon Corporation contributed $5,000. The
Home Depot donated the paint for the playground.
The project took about a month from start to finish. The team
began construction around March 16 and closed the facility for
two weekends to the public. The playground was re-opened for
spring break, so families could take advantage of the time off.
Succeeding in its completion date, the Leadership Lake Martin
team wanted renovations complete by opening day of the
baseball season at the sportplex.
Lake Martin Living 11

Transplants simplify
home gardening

12 Lake Martin Living

I

t’s the time of year when
wildflowers bloom on
roadsides, and a rainbow of
colors appears at the local
plant nurseries. Just driving by can
be motivation enough to get that
summer vegetable garden going
at home. Most of the supplies
involved in gardening are simple to
gather: gloves, tools, potting soil,
fertilizer and plants. While those
items can really add up, there is an
alternative method.
Growing vegetable transplants or
starts at home can be a cheap and
easy way to avoid overspending on
a home garden. I think you’ll find
that the benefits far outweigh the
work it takes to grow them.

Garden
Talk

Sidney Hancock

Benefits of growing your own transplants

More bang for your buck: Purchasing big box store
vegetable starts can be pricey, especially when planning
meals for the whole family. A typical transplant tray contains
six plants and costs about $3 at the store. You can purchase
hundreds of seed for the same cost.
More control over your food: In this day and age, most
people have an opinion about what they are eating and
how it was treated and rightfully so. You have the power to
purchase certified seeds that fit your lifestyle. Hybrid, nonGMO, organic – you name it; you can find it online. You can
also decide what fertilizers and/or chemicals to use – or not
use – on your plants.
More variety: You can pick varieties of plants based on
color; size; days taken to mature; heat or cold tolerance;
etc. Believe me, selecting that packet of miniature purple
bell pepper seeds that is “suited for your planting zone” and
“fruits prolifically” will bring a whole new excitement into
garden planning.
Uniformity: Your plants will mature more uniformly in
the ground than if they were directly seeded. After planting
seeds in the ground, there are typically a few blank spaces
where nothing germinated. Even if you immediately re-plant,
those new seeds will already be days behind the ones that
germinated on the first round.
You can avoid garden beds full of plants at varying
developmental stages by planting transplants that are similar
in size. Plus, there’s something about the instant satisfaction
of putting a plant into the ground that is far more appealing
than waiting on seeds to sprout.

How to get started

Select a warm and well-ventilated location: A sunny
windowsill, greenhouse or even a covered porch with partial
shade are all good options. Seeds germinate best at 70-75
degrees. Seedlings will appear spindly and tall as they strain
to stretch toward the inadequate lighting. A grow light may
need to be implemented if growing indoors.
Gather clean planting containers: These can be from
recycled or homemade materials (yogurt cups, toilet tissue
rolls, cardboard egg cartons, etc.). As long as the container
is 2-3 inches deep and has some drainage holes, it should
Lake Martin Living 13

work. If you are re-using containers that have previously
been planted in, it is always a good habit to sterilize them.
A simple Clorox soak will do the trick.
There also are modular plant trays available for purchase;
which I prefer these, as they are compact. They have
planting cells or holes that are uniformly spaced, and I can
plant as many as 72 plants per tray (note that some trays
hold more than 72 plants); however, I grow to support a
commercial farm and need to make the most efficient space
of my propagation house. Grow in whatever container
works best for you.
Purchase your growing medium from a trusted source
so that you know it isn’t tainted. Don’t use soil out of the
garden, as it can harbor diseases and organisms that may
damage or kill young seedlings.
For those who are thinking about starting a garden for
the first time, I recommend purchasing an all-in-one seedstarting mix. It will save you time, and your new garden
likely isn’t very large. Start small, make it easy and fun for
yourself, and then adventure into mixing your own starting
soil when you get more comfortable with the process.
Wet down your soil mixture with water when you’re ready
to fill those planting containers: With regular watering, this
step will help you to keep the mixture from drying out
quickly. You want it wet enough to form a ball and keep its
shape but not too dripping wet as a gloppy mess. Squeeze
the soil ball, and if it wrings out a lot of water, you’ve
probably added too much. To balance it, mix in more dry
potting soil until it is good to go.
Plant your seeds: There is a general rule that says you
should plant a seed at a depth that is about three times the

14 Lake Martin Living

seed’s thickness. Just take the rule for what it is – general.
Forget the math and take a look at the size of your seeds as
you’re about to plant them. Vegetables that have extra small
seeds – like lettuce – need to be barely covered under the
soil. Scratch up the planting area and gently press the seed
onto the surface of the soil. Typically, these really tiny seeds
actually need light to germinate. There is a good chance
that they won’t germinate if they are completely covered.
At the other end of the spectrum, bean seeds will typically
need to be planted 2 to 3 inches deep.
For a continual harvest, stagger your plantings. Plant
another round of lettuce seeds every one to two weeks to
spread out the harvest.
Sprinkle vermiculite to make a thin layer on top:
Vermiculite can be found in the seed-starting supplies and
is used to hold water. It will help to keep the soil moist and
is porous enough to let sunshine through.
Be sure to label plants to keep track of the varieties that
were planted.

Getting them to the garden

Check the plants and water them regularly, as needed.
Seedlings started outdoors will typically need water more
often than those planted indoors. You don’t want the soil
to be soaking wet.
Do-it-yourself
An indicator of overPrevious
page:
Begin
produce
watering will appear
growth in containers before
on top of the soil or
planting in the ground; Below:
vermiculite as a green
As soon as plants are removed
mold. If this occurs,
from the containers, they must
decrease your watering
be planted in the ground.

and re-pot with new soil.
Apply a liquid fertilizer after germination when the
second set of leaves – true leaves – appears. Continue
according to the label’s directions until the transplants are
one to two weeks from being planted out into the garden. If
you notice more than
one seed germinate
per container, you
can thin out or
remove the extra
seedlings to one per
pot. If the multiple
seedlings are left
alone, the seedlings
will all typically be
smaller and weaker
than if one seedling
had the pot all to
itself.
Snip the extra
seedlings at the soil
line with scissors, or
if you’re adventurous,
separate the seedlings
by hand and re-pot
them, so that there is
one seedling to a pot.
You may be able to
turn one seedling into
three. Be careful not
to disturb the roots
while doing so.
You can begin
the hardening off,
or toughening up,
process at this point.
You want to prepare
the seedlings for
the outside world
of wind, harsh
temperatures, rain,
etc., after they
have been growing
in a controlled
environment.
Stop your fertilizer
applications and
decrease watering,
only giving water
when the plants start
Variety to choose from
to wilt. Take the seedlings outdoors
Above: For a
for a few hours a day but do not
continual lettuce
place in direct full sun or harsh
harvest, stagger seed
wind. Increase the amount of time
plantings every one
to two weeks.
you leave the seedlings outdoors
every day, gradually increasing
exposure to the elements.
By the end of the process, the seedlings will be stronger
and more prepared to be planted into the ground.
This minimizes any shock that may occur among the
transplants, which could range from wilting to transplant
death.

Summer vegetables that grow well from transplants
include tomatoes, eggplant, green onions, peppers, lettuce
and other leafy greens.
Even after learning how to grow your own vegetable
starts at home, some people may not have the time or space
to do so. There is no
shame in purchasing
them from the big
box store.

If you have to do
so, here are some
tips to select the
best ones you can
find.

Choose trays that
have moist, wellwatered soil. Dry soil
means a droughtstressed plant. They
may look okay, but
they will take longer
to bounce back and
produce food.
Don’t grab the
largest and tallest
plants you can find.
They may not have
received enough light
or have outgrown
their pots. If they
already have flowers,
this doesn’t mean
they are the best.
Pinch them off so
that the transplant
can spend its energy
growing stronger and
creating an expanded
root system. You’ll
be rewarded with a
larger harvest later.
Check for
hitchhiking insects.
Unless it is a ladybug,
you probably don’t
need it coming into
your garden at home.
Check the undersides
of leaves for aphids.
Those are a common problem with purchased plants and
will multiply quickly.
You are now armed with the knowledge and tools to
begin the gardening process.
We would love to see photos of your summer home
gardens. Submit your photos to Lake Martin Living’s
Facebook page.
Happy gardening!
~ Sidney Hancock is farm manager at New Waters Farm
in Dadeville.
Lake Martin Living 15

Acquire Alignment
Use this simple trick
to line up properly and nail the shot

A

thletics at Central Alabama Community
up left, and their subconscious mind will try to pull the
College are winding down but in a very good
ball back to its target. This may actually work for a short
way.
period of time until the player is aimed too far right and
The Lady Trojan Tennis and the Lady Trojan the mind begins to pull the ball too far left. The same
Softball teams both wrapped up the end of their seasons
thing holds true to aiming left – a lot of bad things can
attending national championship events.
start happening.
Our CACC Trojan Golf Team has been sizzling hot,
Jack Nicklaus’ method of acquiring proper alignment
winning four of our last five golf tournaments, including
is possibly one used most by good golfers worldwide.
our region and district championships.
Nicklaus would find an imperfection in the grass or a
CACC Golf will compete at Nationals in
small leaf approximately 1-3 feet in front of
Lubbock, Texas, May 15-18 on The Rawls
his golf ball, and he would aim his club up to
Course. This is the site where CACC Golf
that spot. Using an imaginary line from the
earned its sixth National Championship Title
club to his alignment spot, he would line up
in 2013. I’m getting some great vibes and
his shoulders, hips and feet on a parallel line.
believe the planets are trying to line up for
This simple two-step method in acquiring a
us. CACC Golf is presently ranked number
proper alignment position has assisted me for
three in the NJCAA Coach’s Poll and number
50 years on the golf course.
six on Golfstat, which lists college golf scores
This step has become such a part of my
and statistics.
pre-shot routine that frankly, I don’t even
Our recent district championship
give it any thought – it’s automatic. I use this
tournament was held at Duran Golf Club in
alignment method in every part of my game,
Melbourne, Florida, and one of my freshmen,
including on the greens.
Caleb O’Toole, was having difficulty in
In your practice, use an alignment stick
putting beforehand. Nothing was going in,
to assure that your body is on your intended
and the ball wasn’t starting on his intended
line. Do not aim your alignment stick directly
Dave Jennings
line.
at the target, as this will have your body setup
Of course, like most golfers, he imagined
in a closed position. Place the alignment stick
that he needed major surgery to correct
on a parallel line to the golf ball’s direct line
whatever it was that had him out of sorts. This wasn’t the
to the target, similar to a train track.
case at all. O’Toole had simply worked himself into a poor
You may initially feel that your body is slightly open
setup position, and this alone created all of his problems
or closed, but the truth is that you’ve been out of whack
on the greens.
for a while on your alignment, and you are now right on
After getting O’Toole to address the ball properly,
the money. Hit enough shots from this correct alignment
his golf ball returned to its intended path, and again he
position, and after a short period of time your eyes will
began making putts. Let me assure you, making putts can
adjust. This is how you acquire your starting alignment.
change your whole attitude throughout the game quickly.
In becoming a good player, a golfer needs to know
O’Toole strolled through the wind and the rain that we
which direction their ball begins its flight. The ball can
experienced in Melbourne for three rounds and won his
turn to the left or to the right, but starting the ball’s flight
second tournament of the year.
on a certain line is critical to making good golf shots.
If you’ve been a fairly good golfer with a moderately
Pro golfer Tom Lehman hits a massive draw in all of his
good swing but are now struggling with ball striking or
shots. Lehman usually aims to the right side of the green
any facet of the game for that matter, there’s a good chance and draws the ball back toward the flagstick. Nicklaus was
that the problem may require only a simple fix.
well known for his towering fade shots, which he would
Over the 400 years that I have been involved in golf, I
start toward the left side of the green and allow it to fall
have found that alignment is the greatest flaw for golfers
toward the flag on the right side of the green. What these
when things go south in their golf games. People will line
two have in common is that they both knew the direction

From the
Tee

16 Lake Martin Living

the balls were going to turn, and
they began their golf balls’ flights
on their own intended lines.
In putting, if you have a putt
that breaks 18 inches to the left,
and you start the ball 5 inches
out of the cup on the right, you
will make this putt only if you
massively mishit. The Eye-Line
Putting Mirror is a great putting aid that I bought for
each of my golfers this year. In fact, at last year’s TOUR
Championship at East Lake Golf Club, 18 of the 30-man
field were using it before they started their rounds.
The putting mirror takes a moment to set up. Not only
does this tool help you with your stroke alignment but
also it assures that your head and eyes are positioned
properly over the ball and that your putter is being
stroked on the proper path. This tool is not expensive,
and as important as putting is in good scoring, it is well
worth the small investment. Why pay $350 for a new
Scotty Cameron putter if you can’t line up?
I assure you O’Toole now realizes the benefits of proper
setup and alignment, and he has the trophy to prove it.
If this simple alteration isn’t the cure to your golf game
woes, make a call to your golf pro.
See you on the course!
Double Win

Left: After
addressing the ball
properly, CACC
golfer Caleb
O'Toole won his
second tournament
of the year.

~ Dave Jennings is the men's golf coach at Central
Alabama Community College.

Lake Martin Living 17

Protect
against
cyber
fraud

A

dvances in technology
continue to help business
owners manage their finances
online in innovative ways.
With this increased efficiency and
convenience, business owners also
need to be more vigilant than ever in
protecting their financial information.
It’s important to be proactive and
work with a banker that takes the time
to understand an owner’s business and
offers robust security solutions. All the
convenience of online banking is no
substitute for working with experienced
bankers.
At Valley National Bank, we work
with business customers to set up a fraud
detection tool called Positive Pay. The
service allows business owners to set up
a list of regular, approved transactions
on the front end, so transactions that
aren’t on the approved list are flagged for
review and approval.
Talk to a banker about security
services like Positive Pay that will best
fit a company’s needs, and take these
five steps to be proactive about cyber
security.
Limit access to computers with
customized password protection. Grant
different levels of access, so everyone
has the information they need for their
jobs but without making all information
18 Lake Martin Living

available to everyone. Encourage
employees to turn off or lock down their
computers when they aren’t at their
desks. Make sure systems are updated,
and keep up with system upgrades –
in particular, those related to online
security.
Create and enforce a companywide
security policy. This policy should
address such issues as emails, social
media and internet use. Train employees
on the policy and regularly monitor
employee computer use. Make
sure former employees are quickly
disconnected from access to computers.
A company should have a specific policy
for the handling of computers and
sensitive information when someone
leaves.
Avoid broadcasting confidential
information. If an employee is working
with a customer and there are other
people nearby, make sure they can’t
see the computer screen if taking the
customer’s personal information. Also,
don’t ask for a customer’s personal
information out loud. Instead, have the
customer write down the information.
Be cautious on the phone and
with emails. If asked for confidential
information by someone unfamiliar, call

back or email
that person’s
company, but
not at the
number or
email address
that was given.
Instead, look up
the company’s
information
and contact
them; then, ask
for the person
who called or
emailed.

MONEY
MATTERS

Mark Spencer

Protect the
office and facilities. Use locks and alarm
systems, and make sure employees are
taking proper security steps when they
leave the office. Keep all important
business records under lock and key.
With companies’ emphasis on electronic
records, sometimes it’s easy to forget that
old-fashioned paper records also pose a
potential risk. Shred paper records when
they are no longer needed, especially
if they include personal customer
information.
~ Mark Spencer is Senior Vice
President, Retail Line of Business Manager
for Valley National Bank, previously
USAmeriBank.

DonĘźt Delay,
Call Today!

Lake Martin Living 19

Stories of

20 Lake Martin Living

the South
The Moth takes the stage
at Alabama Shakespeare Festival

W

STORY BY BETSY ILER
PHOTOS BY VICTORIA BALDWIN & COURTESY OF CATHERINE BURNS

hen Alexander City native
Catherine Burns steps onto the
Alabama Shakespeare Festival
stage on May 18, she will
showcase inspiring stories by fellow Alabamians
and will check an item off her lifetime bucket
list.
“It was always a dream of mine growing up
in Alexander City,” said the artistic director of
globally popular public radio sensation, The
Moth. “As soon as I got my driver’s license,
I talked my parents into letting me drive to
Alabama Shakespeare Festival to see plays.”
The Moth, created in 1997 as a nonprofit
storytelling platform in founder George Dawes
Green’s New York living room, now shares
stories on more than 475 radio stations around
the world. Some 700,000 listeners download
The Moth storytelling podcasts every week,

and The Moth Mainstage audiences hear tales
from featured storytellers on stages in 29
cities, including London, England; Melbourne,
Australia; and now, Montgomery, Alabama.
The two-hour Montgomery premiere, entitled
Flirting with Disaster, will feature stories by
Alabama Chanin founder and organic textile
designer Natalie “Alabama” Chanin; Birmingham
theatrical costumer and hairdresser Leonard Lee
Smith; and Alabama native Michelle Browder.
“Natalie and I met through the Kitchen Sisters
producers. They were friends of Natalie and
knew I would really want her to share a story.
She told it to me one night over dinner. She is so
beloved around the world and such a hometowngirl-makes-good,” Burns said.
“I met Lee Smith when I did an event for the
Birmingham Museum of Art, with the excellent
Birmingham storytelling group Arc stories. Lee

Lake Martin Living 21

was in that show, and he blew me away. Then he
came to New York and told a story. This time he will
tell a new story; one that took place in Montgomery
– he is originally from Montgomery.
“Michelle will tell a story about moving away
from Alabama and coming back after realizing that
this is where she wants to be.”
Burns said she is pleased to bring a military story
to the ASF stage, as well, as she has a childhood
connection with Maxwell Air Force Base in
Montgomery. Her father was stationed there for a
time.
As a child, Burns said, she wanted to grow up to
be a filmmaker.
“At the time, it
was an art form
I could see and
understand. I
wanted to make
art that somehow
opened up space
for people to have
conversations
about what’s
meaningful to
them. I didn’t have
the words for that
then, but I feel
very lucky that The
Moth has found
an audience in the
way that we have,”
Burns said.
When Lake
Martin Living
magazine featured
Burns five years
ago (February
2013) at the release
of The Moth’s first
bound collection
of stories, the
nonprofit organization employed five people and
had made appearances in 12 U.S. cities, but growth
has been exponential since that time, she said.
“The last few years have been intense in a really
good way. You have to take some time to figure out
what you need, whom you need and how you do
it. Once we figured it out, it took off,” Burns said.
“In the early days, we were very New York centric,
and we didn’t want to be. It was important for us to
represent the entire U.S., not just New York.
“It’s taken on more of an international scope now.
We are doing more with the Gates Foundation in
Africa; we’re more global. We feel a responsibility to
bring out stories of the world,” she said.

22 Lake Martin Living

Though her work takes her around the globe,
Burns said Alabama still calls her home several
times each year.
“My dad still lives on the lake, and I have cousins
in Fairhope. I usually spend about three weeks a
year in Alabama. I bring my son, who is 8 years old
now, and he gets to do things he doesn’t do in New
York – like go out to the henhouse and get eggs
and go to Orange Beach. He’s studying the world
community in school – the differences between
urban, suburban and rural – and he feels uniquely
qualified to talk about that subject,” added Burns.
A little more than a year ago, The Moth applied
for a grant from The Education Foundation of
America to bring
its storytelling
platform to the
Alabama Black
Belt region.
“When we
got the grant, of
course, I was over
the moon,” Burns
said. “Montgomery
is the true
Alabama in so
many ways.”
Part of the
dream to bring
The Moth to ASF
in Montgomery
is wrapped up in
Burns’ memories
of growing up in
Alexander City.
“When I was
an intern for The
Alexander City
Outlook, there
were these stories
on the back page
that were called
Take the Stage
Previous Page: Adrienne
‘Spotlight’ stories.
Truscott has been a
They were about
mainstage featured storyteller; people in the
Above: Alexander City native
community; who
Catherine Burns is the artistic
they were; what
director of The Moth radio
they did. I used to
show.
do some of those
stories, and now
it’s like it’s come full circle, because that’s what we
do on a bigger scale at The Moth.”
Purchase tickets for Flirting with Disaster: The
Moth in Montgomery online at themoth.org/events.
Tickets are $30. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the
stories begin at 7:30 p.m.

Big Green Egg

Golden Foundry Cast Iron Cooker

IN HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION
or BUSINESS DESIGN SERVICES

KUDU

Blaze

1548 HWY 280, ALEX CITY
256-234-0450
SATTERFIELDINC.COM

Lake Martin Living 23

24 Lake Martin Living

Cahaba Lilies
E

STORYâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

very year in late spring, thousands of nature lovers eagerly anticipate the arrival
of the rare, picturesque Cahaba lily in select rivers and streams in the Southeast,
including Tallapoosa County.
Renowned naturalist William Bartram first discovered the Cahaba lily in 1783
in the Savannah River near Augusta, Georgia, and since then the species has been found in
Alabama, Georgia and parts of North and South Carolinas.
The 3-inch wide white Hymenocallis coronaria blossoms belong to the amaryllis family and
live in a very specific environment.
Central Alabama happens to be conducive to the growth and patches of this scenic wild
treasure grow in accessible areas of the Tallapoosa River.

Lake Martin Living 25

Cahaba lilies prefer shallow, rocky creeks and rivers with
moving water and are typically found on the fall line in
the South. While the largest population of Cahaba lilies in
Alabama can be found in Bibb County at the Cahaba River
National Wildlife Refuge, Tallapoosa County residents
have the opportunity to view the beauty closer to home. A
remote portion of the Tallapoosa River upstream of Lake
Martin is conducive to the growth of the lilies that show off
their blooms in spectacular fashion and thrill those willing
to make the effort to see them.
The lily patches can only by accessed by kayak or canoe,
as they grow in rocky shoal areas of the river that receive
lots of sunlight. Harold Banks recommends paddling
Section 3 of the Harold Banks Canoe Trail to see the
panoramic beauty.
The put-in for this section of the canoe trail is located
at the boat ramp off Highway 49 inside Horseshoe Bend
National Military Park, and the take-out is at Jaybird Creek
landing at the end of Boone Valley Road in Jacksons Gap.
The length of the trip is about 6 miles.
“Depending on water flow, experienced paddlers could
make the trip in three hours, but to fully enjoy all the river
has to offer, I advise allowing most of the day to take a
leisurely trip with frequent stops to wade, take pictures,
picnic and wash away the trappings of civilization,” said
Banks.
With many patches of lilies along this section, Banks
said, the best areas are in the shoals of Fox Creek at the
base of Peter’s Island and at the beginning of Irwin Shoals.
“Be sure to look up frequently, too, because bald eagles
are also fond of this section of the river,” he added.
Placing a car at the drop-off and take-out points is the
easiest way to complete the tour, and Banks cautioned lilygazers to paddle safely.
“When you paddle as a group, make sure everyone
stays reasonably close. Instruct the lead paddler to stop
periodically until the entire party catches up. It’s also a
good idea to keep a more experienced paddler at the rear

26 Lake Martin Living

to help those that may be lagging,” Banks said.
And never paddle alone, he said.
Paddlers should bring essentials in preparation for
the elements, weather and changing water conditions.
Banks said a personal flotation device is a must, and a hat,
sunglasses and sunscreen are highly suggested. Also, plenty
of water and snacks are important, especially if paddling
all day.
Anything that could float away or cannot afford to get
wet should be properly secured and protected.
“Assume you will capsize. Even the best paddlers do
occasionally, so prepare accordingly,” said Banks.
Flip-flops should not be worn, according to Banks, as
they could float away and are useless for wading in the
rocky, rough river.
“The river bottom is very uneven, and unfortunately,
there could be broken glass and fish hooks. Every paddler
should wear shoes. I prefer river sandals that cover the
toes, but old running shoes work great. They provide
good traction and keep you from stubbing your toes,” he
explained.
While not suitable for bare feet, the rocky waters provide
the perfect growing environment for Cahaba lilies. In areas
where they flourish, large clusters of lilies create fields of
white above the water.
The peak-growing season for Cahaba lilies is mid-May
to mid-June – or Mother’s Day to Father’s Day – but the
blossoms can sometimes be seen as early as late April or as
late as the Fourth of July, said Banks.
Those that don’t own a canoe or
Paddle to Beauty
kayak, could rent an appropriate
Previous Page:
watercraft at one of several rental
The 3-inch wide
services, including Off the Beaten
Cahaba lily is part
Path in Dadeville; the Adventure
of the amaryllis
Center at Russell Crossroads; most
family; Below: John
Thompson marvels
Russell Marine locations; both
at the scenic field
Lakeside Marinas in Dadeville and
of lilies on the
at Bay Pines; Chuck’s Marina; Real
Tallapoosa River.

Specific Environment Island and Anchor Bay Marina.

Hatchet Creek in Coosa County
is another well-known region for
large Cahaba lily populations, and
the annual Hatchet Creek Festival
provides a two-day float and
overnight camping trip to see the
lilies on a guided tour.
Experience and enjoy the lilies
from afar, but do not wade through
them or pick them. Human activity has threatened the
survival of the species, along with increasing levels of
sediment from development, logging and mining.
The Cahaba River Society provides guided tours through
the Cahaba River WMA that are appropriate for all levels of
paddlers, as there is little to no white water on this route.
A map of the Harold Banks Canoe Trail can be
downloaded from the Alabama Cooperative Extension
System website. A waterproof copy can be picked up at
the ACES office in the basement of the Tallapoosa County
Courthouse located at 125 North Broadnax St. in Dadeville.
Top: Cahaba lilies
grow in rocky
shoals of shallow
bodies of water;
Middle: The rare
flower blooms from
about mid-May to
mid-June.

Lake Martin Living 27

The best memories are made at

The Ridge.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin is a breathtaking lake community with 25,000 acres of
forest set among Lake Martin’s 40,000 plus acres of pristine water and nearly 900 miles
of shoreline. The largest premier neighborhood at Russell Lands On Lake Martin is
The Ridge—where ownership comes with an array of extras – The Ridge Club, a
10-acre recreation complex, miles of hiking and walking trails as well as nature and
waterfront parks, and a state-of-the-art Ridge Marina -- all designed to connect you
with family, friends, nature, and always, the lake.

ummer is a great time to enjoy the weather and hear some fresh tunes, along with some
classic favorites. With a variety of music and the talent of local bands, Alexander City offers
entertainment throughout the season to keep your toes tapping and your hearts happy.
From grassy lawns, fun activities for the whole family and a chance to wind down the day,
music comes in many forms throughout the season. The best part is, most of them are free.
The weekly activity of Friday on the Green is already under way at the Town Green at Russell
Crossroads. The amped up version of this event is presented in a three-day musical celebration at RXR
Fest during Memorial Day weekend.
Russell Lands also offers music on the deck of Kowaliga Restaurant throughout the season and closes
out the summer fun with its Labor Day concert at Lake Martin Amphitheatre.
The 28th annual Jazz Fest is a favorite of locals, and the town swells with festive concertgoers for this
two-day free concert.
Down the highway about 25 miles, are the varied offerings of Standard Deluxe in Waverly. With an
outdoor stage, indoor concerts and the new addition of food offerings, the possibilities are endless.
So, mark your calendars for these upcoming events and enjoy the musical selections of local venues.
You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss a beat!

Lake Martin Living 31

Jazz Fest

Yonrico Scott will return
to the Jazz Fest stage
this year

This free two-day concert began 28
years ago as a chance to celebrate
the town of Alexander City and
bring the community together. Now
attendance is nearly 5,000, and it's one
of the most popular and anticipated
events of the summer for residents and
tourists alike.
For the first time, Jazz Fest will
coincide with Alexander City Chamber
of Commerce's weeklong Sun Festival.

Lineup:

Friday, June 8
Strand Park downtown Alexander City
6 p.m. New Devils – This Birminghambased rock-n-roll band has a country
twang and a twist of soul. Songs tell a
good story, and the beat will keep your
toes tapping.
7:30 p.m. Jon Cleary – New Orleans
funkmaster has taken the city by
storm the past 35 years. Clearly
is a deeply soulful vocalist with a
respect for R&B.
9 p.m. Hollis Brown – Named
after a Bob Dylan song, this
rock-n-roll band has traveled
internationally and will rock the
house as a closing hit.
Saturday, June 9
The AMP on Lake Martin in Eclectic
6:30 p.m. Yonrico Scott – Returning
to Jazz Fest since his performance
in 2011, Yonrico Scott brings a full
range of talents to the stage.
This Grammy award-winning
drummer will kick off the
night full of entertainment.
8 p.m. Roman Street – The
college brotherly band from
Mobile has since expanded
its style into a chart-topping
Jazz Infusion style covering a
range of musical influences.
9:30 p.m. Taylor Hicks – The fifth
season American Idol winner is
originally from Jasper, Alabama,
and started his career performing
throughout the Southeast. His energetic
performance features classic rock,
blues and R&B.

32 Lake Martin Living

Standard Deluxe:

Located in the small community of
Waverly, Standard Deluxe presents
music throughout the summer at
both its indoor Little House venue
and its outdoor stage. The eclectic
town always brings fresh music to the
scene and allows coolers. Check the
standarddeluxe.com website for more
information about the artists, updates
on the summer schedule or to purchase
tickets in advance.
Little House concerts
5/19: Cicada Rhythm, supper by
Dumps like a Truck
5/20: Will Stewart
6/2: Andrew Duhon
6/10: Grayson Capps, Cary Hudson
and Croky Hughes
6/24: Julia Haltigan and special guest
Janita
Outdoor Stage
7/28: Heart of Waverly BBQ
Since the opening of the new FEED
SHAK, this inaugural event will present a
variety of BBQ options from local food
vendors, along with art booths. Tickets
are $15 in advance and $20 at the
door. Gates open at 11 a.m. and music
starts at noon. Children ages 14 years
and younger are free. Bring chairs,
family, friends and coolers. Please no
dogs allowed or glass containers.
The line-up consists of Futurebirds;
Alvin Youngblood Hart Muscle Theory;
BB Palmer; Nikki and the Phantom
Callers; and Brett McDaniel and The
Fellers.

Revel in Dimes performs
on Standard Deluxe's
outdoor stage

Dallas Dorsey played
in Strand Park for LMYP
Strand Sessions

Strand Sessions

On the first Thursday of the month
through August enjoy free live music in
downtown Alexander City. Hosted by
the Lake Martin Young Professionals for
the third year, Strand Sessions is held at
Strand Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring
coolers, chairs, blankets and friends to
enjoy some live entertainment in the
heart of the town. Local downtown
businesses will be open for food and
beverages, as well.
This event typically draws crowds of
about 200 people and is appropriate
for all ages.
June 7: Big Sexy & The Twins – This
acoustic band features vocals from
Jason Tapley, Ben and Bethany Owens
and Shane Clark.
July 5: The Talismen – Formed in
Montgomery three years ago, this band
showcases funk-filled originals and an
entertaining show.
Aug. 2: Bailey Ingle – A Hoover native,
this 18-year-old is known for her bluesy,
soulful voice and charismatic presence.

Lake Martin Living 33

East Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only kitchen, bath, and cabinetry showroom
Featuring furniture, fabrics, and home decor

L&M Design.Build.Furnish
246 E. Glenn Ave, Auburn, AL 36830

334-209-2860
lmdesignbuildfurnish.com
Serving the Lake Martin area.

34 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin’s
Best Source for
News and
Information.

TPI

Give Your
Heart a
Fresh Start
The new year is here, so why not make a
resolution that gives you and your loved
ones peace of mind? We all know that
healthy hearts live longer, more active lives.
That starts with a comprehensive cardiac
checkup.
February is American Heart Month, serving
as an annual reminder of the fight against
cardiovascular disease. Kevin Sublett, MD,
and his staff at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic
of Central Alabama are proud supporters of
this fight. We are committed to keeping your
heart healthy, so you can live a healthier life all year long.
Our clinic is backed by the world-class expertise you expect from
UAB Medicine, offering:
• The full spectrum of cardiovascular care
• Care from a physician board-certified in interventional cardiology
• The latest in cardiac and vascular ultrasound technology, as well
as nuclear medicine imaging in accredited laboratories
• Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders
• Convenient location within Russell Medical
Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Jennings named U.S. boy's team
coach for Junior World Cup
STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & LIZI ARBOGAST
PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI

D

ave Jennings’ greatest pride in his
coaching career is seeing his players
advance to the next skill level and
embrace his teachings to succeed not only
in golf but also in life.
It’s this philosophy on training that makes
Jennings, men’s golf coach at Central Alabama
Community College, an appropriate choice to lead
the U.S. boy’s team at the Junior World Cup in
Japan next month.
“Coaching has been a good fit for me. I enjoy
giving the kids some positive direction and
presenting them with good opportunities. Winning
is great, but improving yourself and appreciating
what you’ve done is what fills me with pride,” said
Jennings.

36 Lake Martin Living

From a selection of 12 head coach nominees, the
Golf Coaches Association of America unanimously
selected Jennings to head up the U.S. team after the
field was cut to four choices.
“It’s an awesome feeling, but this tournament will
also be a learning curve for me,” said Jennings.
The 2018 Toyota Junior Golf World Cup will be
held June 10-15 at the Chukyo Golf Club Ishino
Course in Toshitomo-cho Fukada, Toyota-shi,
Japan.
The four-man U.S. team includes Jacob
Bridgeman, a Clemson commit; North Carolina
commit Ryan Burnett; Vanderbilt commit Reid
Davenport; and LSU commit Michael Saunders,
who will compete in match-play under Jennings’
guidance.

“We certainly have the talent here to win, and
these boys will need less instruction and more
evaluation and course management,” said Jennings.
JR Steinbauer has been the captain of the U.S.
boy’s team since the tournament’s inception and
will be in charge of coordinating and organizing the
team. Jennings main duties as head coach will be
to work with problem shots and assess each hole to
determine the proper clubs and angles to use.
While Jennings said he received a yardage book
for the course, the real preparation will come when
the team arrives for its first practice day. There is
heavy elevation on the course, and understanding
how that affects the balls’ travels will be a challenge.
“The terrain of Japan is similar to that of Hawaii
with lots of volcanoes. It’s different from what we’re
used to playing on in the States,” Jennings added.
After arrival, the team will have three days to
practice on the course before the tournament
officially begins.
Twenty-four countries will be represented in
play over 72 holes. In match play, competitors play
against one other player each round, and wins are
based on holes won. Players also will compete in
stroke play for the individual championship.
The lowest scoring teams over four days, for
both boys and girls, will be awarded the Toyota
Cup. Individual winners from each division will be
honored as well.
“These are some of the best junior golfers
throughout the world representing their various
countries of origin,” Jennings said. “I am certain
that we’ll see some of these players in five or six
years on TV and playing professionally. I just hope
we turn out to be the best that week.”
Jennings has been the men’s golf coach at
CACC for 17 years, and he is a two-time NJCAA
Dave Williams National Coach of the Year Award
winner. He is also a member of the Golf Coaches
Association of America Hall of Fame, and he was
recently named the NJCAA Region XXII Coach of
the Year.
For the second time in his career, Jennings
will be traveling internationally for a coaching
opportunity. In 2010, he captained Team USA at
the World University Golf Championship in Spain.
“Surely, this will be an experience that I will
cherish for the rest of my
life,” said Jennings.
Training for Success
Top: Dave Jennings
is passionate about
seeing each of his
golf students attain a
higher skill level; Left:
Caleb O'Toole receives
a swing lesson from
Jennings.

Lake Martin Living 37

New Location Now Open
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9-5
Stop By Today To See Our Huge Selection
Call Mike For An On Water Demo
FINANCING AVAILABLE
“See Your Dealer For Details”

For elderly and
disabled individuals
needing assistance
with activities of
daily living.

Homemaking... Personal Care... Companionship
Our goal is to keep our clients as active as possible in their own homes
to promote overall health and well being.
With our personally tailored care plans, you will receive the individual
care you need with the dignity and respect you deserve.

South Ridge Harbor, Diamond View
The Diamond View is a stunning plan designed by Larry
Furlong built by Classic Homes. This 3,668 sq. ft. has it all.
Owner and guest suites are on main level with kitchen and
dining overlooking the spacious living room & wrap-around
porch. Lake level offers second living room, wet bar, two
guest suites, lake-prep room, and additional storage.
Russell Lands On Lake Martin
256.215.7011
www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

Willow Glynn, The Abby • $1,195,000
Just completed by RLH Construction. The Abby is a 3,219 sq.
ft. plan designed by Chuck Frusterio. Owner’s suite and guest
suites on main level with spacious living-dining-kitchen and large
covered porch. Lake level offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms,
generous lake-prep room, family room, wet bar, second laundry,
and spacious covered patio for outdoor entertaining.
Russell Lands On Lake Martin
256.215.7011
www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

443 Pine Point, Eclectic • $1, 495,000
Elegant yet simplistic. It's not about bedrooms and baths but the
sheer peace and enjoyment you feel. The great room with exposed
beams flows gracefully into the gourmet kitchen while the floor
to ceiling windows create natural light throughout the home.
This masterpiece is special in every way--from the entrance to the
stunning outdoor porch. Call us today to discover more about the
architectural genius behind this lake home.
Lake Martin Realty
Call India Davis 256.749.7592
www.LakeMartinRealty.com

184 Shoreline Drive, Alexander City • $849,000
Gorgeous lake home located in the Raintree neighborhood with
beautiful views and year round water. COMPLETELY remodeled in
2014. Room for the family with 5 BR and 3 full BA. Dining Room,
a family room and kitchen on each floor. Open decks on the main
level and a screened in porch with bed swing on the terrace level.
This home is being sold mostly furnished. NEW flagstone walkway
to the lake from the house. Call for your private showing today!!
Lake Martin Realty
Call Amy Duncan 256.212.2222
www.LakeMartinRealty.com

215 Curry Point, Dadeville • $1,290,000
160 Ridge Crest Drive, Alexander City • $2,750,000
Custom built lake home with VIEW like no other! DEEP
Exceptional 5BR/5.5BA, 8400+/- sq. ft. Lake Martin residence
WATER at double covered boathouse with lifts and 2 seadoo
in The Ridge. Built to enjoy its panoramic views of the lake,
lifts. Natural rock waterfall and seawall. Full lakeside covered
this one of a kind Timber Peg designed home features all the
deck. Open floor plan. Possible 5th BR. Gourmet kitchen is most
amenities for one to enjoy lakefront living at its best. Private
impressive! Mitch Ginn Design. Super insulated with low utility with approx. 400+/- of deep waterfront, here at 160 Ridge Crest
bills. Too many extras to list all of them. Must call for private
on Lake Martin. Please call for your private showing today!
showing! Seller will pay up to $10,000 of buyer's closing costs!
Lake Martin Realty
Lake Martin Realty
Call David Mitchell 256.212.3511
Call Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681
www.LakeMartinRealty.com
www.LakeMartinRealty.com

1313 Trillium W Parkway, Eclectic • $895,000
If you're looking for a flat lot, wide open views, a sandy beach
area for swimming, and a home with all you need on one
level, look no further than this wonderful 3 bedroom, 3 bath
lake home in highly sought after Trillium. Don't miss out on
this one. A MUST SEE!!
Lake Martin Realty
Call Damon Story 256-789-9526
www.damonstory.com

40 Lake Martin Living

Russell Medical makes the grade
in patient safety

F

Medical
News

or the fourth consecutive reporting
measurement,” said Sarah Beth Gettys,
period, Russell Medical achieved an
Russell Medical’s vice president of clinical
“A” rating, the highest possible grade,
services. “Facilities such as ours have long
in the Spring 2018 Leapfrog Hospital
shared safety and quality data with the
Safety Grade.
public because patients and their families
The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit
need clear, meaningful information to
healthcare ratings organization assigns
make healthcare decisions. We encourage
letter grades of A, B, C, D and F twice each
patients to use all available tools at their
year to hospitals nationwide based on their
disposal, and the latest Leapfrog rating
performances in preventing medical errors,
system is just one tool among many
infections and other avoidable harms.
patients can use.”
Out of 2,479 hospitals, Russell Medical
For the rankings, the Leapfrog Group
was one of 750 awarded an “A” for its
assigned “A” to “F” letter grades to
commitment to maintaining patient safety
hospitals based on their performances of
precautions and procedures. In Alabama,
12 process and structural measures and 15
Susan Foy
Russell Medical was one of only seven
outcome measures. The group used data
hospitals given the “A” rating.
from CMS, the Leapfrog Hospital Survey,
“This honor is a reflection of our
and secondary data sources, such as
organization’s commitment to patient safety and the
the American Hospital Association’s annual survey.
reduction of avoidable harm, including hospitalThe Leapfrog ratings, which are updated twice
acquired infections, errors and accidents,” said Brenda a year, focus on acute-care hospitals and exclude
Duncan, RN, director of quality services at Russell
facilities such as critical-access hospitals, specialty
Medical. “We raise the bar for quality and patient
hospitals and federal hospitals due to missing data.
safety to the highest level and are proud of our staff for The entire listing of hospitals may be found at
their continued quality improvement initiatives and
hospitalsafetygrade.org.
commitment to patient safety in every facet of patient
care.”
~ Susan Foy is marketing director for Russell Medical.
“Hospitals have been pioneers in quality
Lake Martin Living 41

For a cowboy-themed
night of entertainment,
kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and
vendors, attend the Lake
Martin Area Rodeo. This
12th annual fundraiser
for the Boys and Girls
Club of the Lake
Martin Area will host a
Southeastern Professional
Rodeo-sanctioned event
from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on
both June 15 and 16.
Events will include
bareback riding, calf
roping, steer wrestling,
team toping, saddle
bronc riding, barrel
racing, breakaway roping
and bull riding. There
are typically crowds

48 Lake Martin Living

between 1,000-2,000
in attendance, and the
Woody W. Bar Rodeo
Company puts on a
popular show.
There will be activities
for the whole family,
including a greased
pig contest, stick horse
races and plenty of food
and vendors. Pre-sold
tickets are $7 for adults
and $3 for children over
age 5. Gate price is $10
for adults and $5 for
children over age 5.
For more information,
visit the Boys & Girls
Club of the Lake Martin
Area Facebook page.

May 17

Crawfish Boil

Don’t miss the inaugural crawfish boil to benefit Friends
of the Dadeville Library. This private event at Chuckwalla’s
Pizzeria will be open only to ticket holders. Featuring awardwinning Louisiana chef Raymond LeBlance, music with The
Murray Brown Band from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., wine tasting and
a book sale, the fun starts at 5 p.m. and continues until 9
p.m. Tickets are $30 per person in advance, and $40 at the
door, if any are still available on the event date. Only 200
tickets will be sold. Tickets are available at Chuck’s Marina
and the Dadeville Library at 205 N. West St., Dadeville.

May 19

Picnic in the Park

In honor of Armed Forces Day, the Disabled American
Veterans will host a free event open to the public in Strand
Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be veteran service
organizations, Dixie Division military vehicles, Nationa
Guard display, photo opportunities, food vendors and
kids activities. Join community members in honoring and
recognizing local veterans.

May 19-20

Lee County Garden Tour

The Lee County Master Gardeners will offer tours of
10 gardens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 1
p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Advance individual tickets are
$30 each; groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets in
advance at $28 each. Tickets are $36 on tour days. Ticket
prices include a boxed lunch from Chicken Salad Chick.
The gardens are varied, and this year’s selection includes an
orchid greenhouse, a delightful shade garden and a historic
home. For information, visit www.leemg.org.

May 18

Camp Smile-a-Mile Ride of Love

Join in cheering on the bike riders during their last leg of
the trip, which started in Tuscaloosa and ends at Children’s
Harbor on Lake Martin. This event raises money and
awereness for the camps held for children and families living
with cancer.

May 19-20

Hatchet Creek Festival

Sign up early for this year’s two-day float trip down the
beautiful Hatchet Creek in Coosa County because the event
is limited to the first 100 registrants. The $40 entry fee
includes shuttle service for camping gear and vehicle drivers,
snacks, Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast, entertainment,
private pond fishing, overnight camping with portable
potties and hand-washing stations and an event T-shirt.
Sponsored in part by Alabama Scenic River Trail, Central
Alabama Electric Cooperative and Off the Beaten Path
Alabama, in cooperation with landowners, this annual rite of
spring fills up quickly Visit www.aces.edu/coosa or call 256377-4713 for information.

May 24

Blackberry Farm Beer Dinner

SpringHouse Restaurant will host a three-course
dinner, paired with six to eight award-winning beers from
Blackberry Farm. Hor d’oeuvres will start at 6 p.m. on

the front lawn (weather permitting), and attendees will
sit for dinner at 7 p.m. The cost is $75++ per person, and
reservations can be made by calling 256-215-7080.

May 25-27
RXR Fest

The Town Green at Russell Crossroads comes alive with
some great music Memorial Day weekend. From 6 p.m. to
10 p.m. each evening, bring lawn chairs, coolers, friends and
family for great fun.

May 25-27

Memorial Day Weekend at Chuck’s

Celebrate the holiday at the lake as Chuck’s hosts music
Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Friday will see Blane
Rudd on stage, and the popular Alabama Avenue takes the
stage on Saturday night. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, party
with Kane and the Saints Duo. For information, visit the
Chuck’s Facebook page.

May 26-27

Art on the Lake

More than 60 artists and vendors from all over the
Southeast will set up on the grounds of Children’s Harbor to
offer a variety of handmade goods. This family-friendly, petfriendly event also will include a Kids Zone, music, cocktail
bar and more. Saturday’s the event will run from 9 a.m. to
5 p.m., and Sunday will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more
information, call 334-857-2133.

May 26

Community Garden Pancake Breakfast

Come to the Artist Cabin at Russell Crossroads for
breakfast and support the Community Garden Club.
A $5 bill buys pancakes piping hot off the griddle with
butter and syrup, coffee and juice from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Please bring cash. For more information, visit www.
russelllandsonlakemartin.com.

May 29

Slalom Clinic with Wade Cox

Get a head start on the tricks you want to master this
season and sign up for this clinic with Wade Cox, who has
racked up dozens of professional waterski titles over his career.
From 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Cox will lend his knowledge,
skills and instruction to help slalom skiers improve. Cost for
this clinic is $50. An afternoon session might be added as well.
For information and reservation, contact Russell Marine’s
Scott Goslin at sgoslin@russelllands.com or 256-496-0713.

May 30

Slalom Clinic with Nate Smith

Located at Kowaliga Marina, participants have the
opportunity to pick up tips from the number one ranked
slalom skiier in the world. For more information, email Scott
Goslin at sgoslin@russelllands.com.

June 2

LMRA Annual Meeting

Discussion at this year’s annual meeting will include an
update on the lighted buoy project, lake criminal activity,
shoreline cleanups and legal action against the Corps of
Engineers. Marine Police will be on hand to provide a report
Lake Martin Living 49

and answer questions as well. The meeting will be held at
Kowaliga Restaurant. Alabama Power Company Credit
Union will host a buffet breakfast at 8 a.m., and the meeting
will start at 9 a.m.

June 2

Birding on the Tallapoosa River

Meet at 8.a.m at Horseshoe Bend Military Park boat
launch site at the bridge on Highway 49 for a paddling
adventure down the river. Contact Joanne Ninesling at 256786-0541 or ppbirdingtrail@gmail.com for information.

June 4

Russell Marine
Wakeboard/Wake Surf Clinic

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit Kowaliga Marina for
individualized, small group instruction from professional
wakeboard riders and skiers, coaches and enthusiasts. Cost
is $50 per person. To sign up, contact Scott Goslin at Russell
Marine at 256-496-0713 or sgoslin@russelllands.com.

June 4-9

6th Annual Sun Festival

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will host
this six-day celebration withmore than 50 activities for all
ages. This community development and tourism initiative
is designed to enhance the lifestyle of Alexander City. There
will be some classic favorites, including the Pie in the Sky
Treasure Hunt, KidsFest activities and the Slip-n-Slide 5K.
There also will be a cornhole tournament, glow-in-the-dark
golf and fun for the whole family. Visit alexandercity.org for
the full schedule.

June 8-10

Lil’ Calypso Art Fest

Held right on the water’s edge, the 16th annual festival
at Chuck’s Marina will feature nearly 60 regional artists on
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors will display quality
crafts, including jewelry, pottery, metal work, furniture,
wood and art work. But the fun starts on Friday night with
the Russell Craig Duo on stage. There will be live music from
Dan Adams on the deck Saturday, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.,
and Saturday night will feature the Blackberry Breeze Band.
On Sunday, Augusta, Georgia’s, Ruskin and Cam from King
Size Band will close out the weekend from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For information, visit the Chuck’s Marina Facebook page.

June 8-9

Jazz Fest

The 28th Annual Alexander City Jazz Fest is a free twoday concert. At Strand Park in downtown Alexander City,
three bands will play Friday night, and on Saturday, three
more bands will rock out at The AMP on Lake Martin. For
more information and a full line-up of artists, go to page 30.

June 9

National Marina Day and Russell Marine
Customer Appreciation

Celebrate a day of boating and stop by any Russell Marine
marina for complementary hot dogs, chips and drinks for
the whole family. Shop top-of-the-line gear and accessories
and receive 15 percent off as Russell Marine hosts customer
appreciation activities from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
50 Lake Martin Living

June 12

Little Things

Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host professional
storyteller Delores Hydock at 12:30 p.m. at Red Ridge United
Methodist Church in a moment in history. It’s the Little
Things: Five small objects that shaped the world in the Dutch
Golden Age will reveal how five tiny things that can be held
in your hand changed world history in unexpected ways. For
information, contact Bonnie DeNegre at bdenegre@charter.net.

Season-Long Events
Summer Reading
at Dadeville Public Library

Young readers will explore all things musical this summer
as the Dadeville Public Library presents the summer reading
program, Libraries Rock! Activities will include group
games, musical crafts, art projects, science and engineering
experiments and more. The program is open to children
aged preschool through young adult and, along with regular
programs, will include prize drawings, story times, a reading
club and more. Registration is now open. Program events
are held on Thursdays at 3 p.m. June 14 through July 19. For
information, visit www.dadevillepubliclibrary.com.

Summer Paddleboarding

Meet up with other paddleboarders at 10 a.m. on the second
and fourth Saturdays of June and July for demos, tours and
relays. Call Paddle Lake Martin at 334-799-0529 to sign up or
for more information.

Yoga on the Green

Start summer Saturdays from May 26 to Sept. 29 with
relaxing yoga stretches on the Town Green at Russell
Crossroads at 7 a.m. Bring your mat and a bottle of water to this
free event that will be led by experienced instructors.

Libraries Rock!
Summer Reading for Children

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library will award weekly prizes
to children who check out books this summer through the
library’s annual reading program. Participating children will
be able to enter for a chance to win the grand prize for meeting
reading goals. Registration for the program and the talent
show is open through June 8. The grand prize drawing will
take place the morning of the summer reading finale. For more
information, visit the library or call 256-234-4644.

Music on the Deck at Kowaliga

On the first and third Sundays of the month, from now
through August, Kowaliga restaurant will be offering live
acoustic music on the deck from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., weather
permitting. For the full artist lineup, visit kowaligarestaurant.
com.

Clean Community Partnership Cleanups

The third Saturday of each month, volunteers throughout the
community are encouraged to meet at Broad Street Plaza at 9
a.m. for pickup supplies and area assignments and help clean up
the roads within Alexander City. For information, contact Jacob
Meacham at jacob.meacham@alexandercitychamber.com.

Lake Martin Living 51

9

Goldville
280

Goodwater
To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA
COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps
22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut
Landing

9

Power lines

22

280

21

U.S. Highways

Alexander
City

County Roads

17

22

Flint Hill
Church

26

Camp ASCCA

Alex City
Boat Ramp

15

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods
Landing

Wind Creek
63 State Park

COOSA
COUNTY

Jacksons
Gap

Pleasant Grove
Church

35

11

9

Mt. Zion
Church
Russell Farms
Baptist Church
36
Friendship Church
New Hope Church

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map,
for as little as $25 call 256-234-4281. Space is limited.

Lake Martin Living 53

NOW YOU CAN DO A SLEEP STUDY
IN YOUR OWN BED.

If you know someone that snores, always tired, or gasps
for air in their sleep, call us.
This is a simple one night sleep study, in your home,
and read by a board certified sleep doctor.
All insurance accepted. Results in less than a week.
433 St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dr, Montgomery, AL. | 334-396-8082
This company started here on Lake Martin, AL
We are accredited with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
54 Lake Martin Living

The promotional rate of 1.99% APR is valid on new HSCU VISA platinum
rewards credit cards for all activity (purchases, balance transfers, and cash
advances) completed during the promotional period and that rate will remain in
effect on that promotional period activity through the final billing cycle of May
2018, at which point the balances on that promotional period activity will convert
to the standard card rate – see credit union for details. Promotional offer good
from 11/1/2017 – 5/1/2018. APR = Annual Percentage Rate

Lake Martin Living 57

THE CHANGING TIMES

How do you know when you're old?

A

The Last
Word

ge is just a number, right? I mean it’s not
I strolled into the lavatory and immediately
like that number defines you. At least, it
thought, “Hmm … That’s weird … This restroom
doesn’t have to.
is so old it doesn’t even have urinals!” (This thought
Maybe we used to measure our lives
alone is indescribably stupid considering urinals
numerically. You begin to drive at 16; retirement is
were invented in 1866.)
at 65; voting and college starts at 18; awkwardness
So I just proceeded to use the one of the three
around women kicks in at 13 (and continues until
stalls available, flushed, washed my hands (I swear
you are 86). Your first marriage is at 25; your second
I did) and stepped back out into the hallway. I
at 32. And so on and so on.
remember thinking, “Kinda hope that mermaid
Now the paradigm has shifted. Kids live at home
floats back across the screen,” as I turned back
with their parents longer. People wait until well into
toward the cavalcade of potato chips.
their 30s or even – gasp – their 40s to get married.
That’s when a previously unseen lady behind me
Retirement is just a pipe dream, no matter how old
with a sharp foreign accent said to me, “Sir … You
you are. The whole aging system with which we
realize you just used the ladies restroom, sir?”
once used to carefully categorize our lives is now
My first thought was that it was weird she called
nebulous.
Luke Robinson me “sir” twice. My second thought was, “That
So then the question becomes: “How do you
accusation actually makes a lot of sense now as it
know when you are old?”
solves the case of the missing urinals.”
Well … I found out how to tell if I am old.
I looked back at the two gendered plaques fixed to either side
I was driving to Jackson, Mississippi, for a work conference
of the separate bathrooms, saw she was correct and shrugged my
about two months ago. If you have ever made that trek, you
shoulders as I replied, “Oops!”
know that it is desolate for long stretches – just grass and trees
Then, I just ... shopped.
and poorly paved exit ramps. But when my car’s tank was
I grabbed a Coke Zero and a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup four
running on empty, I had to find a gas station quickly. After miles pack and paid for all of my items. As I walked out the door, I
and miles of nothingness, I eventually came upon one.
looked back, and the woman was still standing in her same spot.
You know exactly the kind of gas station I found, too. A
Her mouth slightly agape, and she kept looking at the bathroom
dilapidated building that had been painted white when it was
and then back to me.
built originally had aged to the jaundiced tint of a smoker’s
Meanwhile, I just got in my car and drove off. Completely,
teeth. Four of the six gas pumps had various colored plastic bags apathetically and nonchalantly, I ate my Reese’s and moseyed
covering the handles. Potholes in the parking lot were so large
down the interstate.
that would have been easier to take out the remaining asphalt to
It didn’t dawn on me until about four exits later that, at the
level the land rather than fill in the voids.
height of the #MeToo movement, I just waltzed into the ladies’
There was a tattered sign for the in-store Taste of India
room, peed normally, got caught doing this, and then bought a
restaurant crudely taped to the window next to the front door.
drink and candy bar like it was no big whoop that I just used the
Though it was obviously now closed, I assumed its house special women's bathroom!
was once dysentery.
Granted, it was definitely an accident, but if I were her and
In fact, this is how country this (in)convenient store was:
some lanky male stranger just walked out of the women’s
I didn’t even have to give the attendant my credit card before
restroom I was about to use, I would be kind of freaked out …
pumping my gas. We just exchanged friendly nods through the
And I am pretty sure she was.
glass, and he flipped the switch.
I tell you this incredibly wordy story (which could have been
After filling up, I went inside the store to pay but needed
wrapped up in two sentences) to let you know this moment was
to make a personal pit stop first. (FYI, another sign of aging is
the one when I knew I was old – that my age isn’t calculated
when your bladder ain’t what it used to be.) So I made my way
through traditional numerical means. Instead, I now know I
past the counter, past the aisles of off-brand chips and past the
am old because my acknowledged naiveté has surpassed any
Mr. Pibb drink machine (dang … this place was bigger than I
embarrassment I may suffer due to my own stupidity.
thought!) to the sign that pointed me to the restrooms.
The moral of this nonsensical tale is that if you want to
Across from the bathrooms there were, of course, three
find out if you are over-the-hill, ask yourself if you are easily
(probably illegal) electronic gambling machines. Two were of
distracted and poor-sighted enough to use the wrong bathroom.
the standard (probably illegal) Bingo variety, but the third was a
If so, would it bother you? If it wouldn’t, and the reason is not
rather large, aquatically themed one. I know that only because
nefarious but solely based on incompetence with no malice
a voluptuous, attractive e-mermaid scrolled on-screen and
intended in the least, well, welcome to my (aged) world.
illuminated the otherwise dimly lit area. She caught my eye with
ease, and I watched her swim diagonally from bottom left to
~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native and writes a
upper right as I continued to walk toward the bathroom.
weekly column for The Alexander City Outlook.
58 Lake Martin Living